Youth hoops rebound with new Creeds Athletic Association league

Nik Drumm of the Blue Devils grabs a rebound in traffic under the basket. With him are Conor Whalen and Ryan Durkee of the Creeds Trolls. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]

THE INDEPENDENT NEWS

CREEDS — Organized basketball for youth from age 4 through fifth grade is back in the southernmost reaches of Virginia Beach. The season opened in January.

The league was organized by the Creeds Athletic Association. In addition to teams from Virginia Beach, there is a squad from Knotts Island, N.C., on the hardcourt.

The initial games brought a large number of loved ones to the gym at Creeds Elementary School.

Otis Sanders, who served as referee, spent some of the early games that involved younger players helping coaches reinforce fundamentals. The players seemed to have a blast. There was good hustle.

“There’s a lot of energy and exercise in it,” said Genevieve Cortazzo, 6, of Creeds, during a break in the action.

Tom Whalen, treasurer for the association, said there has been strong support in the community for the basketball program.

Ken Beasley, the association vice president who organized the program with the assistance of Jac Johnson, the group’s parliamentarian, thanked Casey Conger, principal of Creeds Elementary School, for her help.

“Obviously, she’s a big believer in these kids,” Beasley said.

Beasley said he had hoped for 50 players. The league ended up with about 80.

Beasley said he knew a league was needed after another program held at a local church had folded.

“I want them playing sports in the winter,” he said. “I don’t want them sitting home.”

Local children — including Natasha Trepeta, seen lining up a free throw, and her teammates on the Cavaliers — take their best shots in a new youth basketball league through the Creeds Athletic Association. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]

Members of the team that arguably had the best name — the Creeds Trolls — stand by while teammate Brody Stewart shoots a free throw while his father, Carl Stewart, coaches him. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]